Karl Dallas launches a 'party' with a difference

A new political party has been formed in Bradford to campaign in this year’s local elections – but it won’t be putting up any candidates.

NOTA – None of the Above – will be urging voters to write “none of the above” on ballot forms unless any candidates have declared themselves opposed to the Council implementing the Conservative government’s austerity cuts.

The party has been registered with the Electoral Commission and is the brainchild of singer-songwriter and peace activist Karl Dallas.

Mr Dallas said: “I’ve been saying for some years that people ought to get together to vote out the Lib-Lab-Con cabal which controls City Hall.”

Comments (13)

That's right Karl, split the votes and let the Tories back in. This is a pointless self-indulgent gesture and has more to do with publicity than practical politics. The only way to defeat austerity is to vote the Tories out. The only party that can replace them is Labour.

That's right Karl, split the votes and let the Tories back in. This is a pointless self-indulgent gesture and has more to do with publicity than practical politics. The only way to defeat austerity is to vote the Tories out. The only party that can replace them is Labour.Grumpygirl

Grumpygirl wrote:
That's right Karl, split the votes and let the Tories back in. This is a pointless self-indulgent gesture and has more to do with publicity than practical politics. The only way to defeat austerity is to vote the Tories out. The only party that can replace them is Labour.

Hope you can afford the council tax if austerity and living within our means goes.

[quote][p][bold]Grumpygirl[/bold] wrote:
That's right Karl, split the votes and let the Tories back in. This is a pointless self-indulgent gesture and has more to do with publicity than practical politics. The only way to defeat austerity is to vote the Tories out. The only party that can replace them is Labour.[/p][/quote]Hope you can afford the council tax if austerity and living within our means goes.Joedavid

Sorry Carl you should not be asking people to waste their vote people worked hard for men and particularly women to be able to vote.
If you want change then put your name on the ballot paper to be elected and work for the people of Bradford in the right Christian way.

Sorry Carl you should not be asking people to waste their vote people worked hard for men and particularly women to be able to vote.
If you want change then put your name on the ballot paper to be elected and work for the people of Bradford in the right Christian way.Joedavid

Grumpygirl wrote:
That's right Karl, split the votes and let the Tories back in. This is a pointless self-indulgent gesture and has more to do with publicity than practical politics. The only way to defeat austerity is to vote the Tories out. The only party that can replace them is Labour.

Hope you can afford the council tax if austerity and living within our means goes.

Maybe Grumpy does pay any Council tax?
Leaves it to the rest of us.

[quote][p][bold]Joedavid[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]Grumpygirl[/bold] wrote:
That's right Karl, split the votes and let the Tories back in. This is a pointless self-indulgent gesture and has more to do with publicity than practical politics. The only way to defeat austerity is to vote the Tories out. The only party that can replace them is Labour.[/p][/quote]Hope you can afford the council tax if austerity and living within our means goes.[/p][/quote]Maybe Grumpy does pay any Council tax?
Leaves it to the rest of us.June Oh

Grumpygirl wrote:
That's right Karl, split the votes and let the Tories back in. This is a pointless self-indulgent gesture and has more to do with publicity than practical politics. The only way to defeat austerity is to vote the Tories out. The only party that can replace them is Labour.

Hope you can afford the council tax if austerity and living within our means goes.

Maybe Grumpy does pay any Council tax?
Leaves it to the rest of us.

Protection of ones lifestyle choice of not to work you mean?

[quote][p][bold]June Oh[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]Joedavid[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]Grumpygirl[/bold] wrote:
That's right Karl, split the votes and let the Tories back in. This is a pointless self-indulgent gesture and has more to do with publicity than practical politics. The only way to defeat austerity is to vote the Tories out. The only party that can replace them is Labour.[/p][/quote]Hope you can afford the council tax if austerity and living within our means goes.[/p][/quote]Maybe Grumpy does pay any Council tax?
Leaves it to the rest of us.[/p][/quote]Protection of ones lifestyle choice of not to work you mean?Thee Voice of Reason

Although I have nothing but contempt for politicians I don't believe that not voting, as suggested by Russell Brand, or in effect wasting your vote by voting for none of the above as suggested is the answer. I think more parties to choose from in and of itself is a good thing and should be encouraged if we really want to be able to call our system of governance democratic and break from the constant bickering of the two party system (I've not included the lib-dems as they are currently in bed with the Tories and have left their voters feeling betrayed). These new parties do do however need to be offering some vision to the voters or be fighting for a point of principle that they feel needs to change rather than being there with the intention of disrupting the voting process. The Blue rinse Tories and the die hard Labour voters will still vote for their party of choice. The apathetic need no encouragement to be apathetic. If you have taken the time to go down to the voting office then at least cast your vote for someone you believe stands for what you believe in. A party that pledges to stand and offers nothing intending only to walk away after the election is a waste of time and on the off change that they did get enough votes to win would only cause additional expense as we would have to then return to the ballot box in order to find elect someone who is willing to do the job of being an MP.

Although I have nothing but contempt for politicians I don't believe that not voting, as suggested by Russell Brand, or in effect wasting your vote by voting for none of the above as suggested is the answer. I think more parties to choose from in and of itself is a good thing and should be encouraged if we really want to be able to call our system of governance democratic and break from the constant bickering of the two party system (I've not included the lib-dems as they are currently in bed with the Tories and have left their voters feeling betrayed). These new parties do do however need to be offering some vision to the voters or be fighting for a point of principle that they feel needs to change rather than being there with the intention of disrupting the voting process. The Blue rinse Tories and the die hard Labour voters will still vote for their party of choice. The apathetic need no encouragement to be apathetic. If you have taken the time to go down to the voting office then at least cast your vote for someone you believe stands for what you believe in. A party that pledges to stand and offers nothing intending only to walk away after the election is a waste of time and on the off change that they did get enough votes to win would only cause additional expense as we would have to then return to the ballot box in order to find elect someone who is willing to do the job of being an MP.RollandSmoke

Grumpygirl wrote:
That's right Karl, split the votes and let the Tories back in. This is a pointless self-indulgent gesture and has more to do with publicity than practical politics. The only way to defeat austerity is to vote the Tories out. The only party that can replace them is Labour.

Hope you can afford the council tax if austerity and living within our means goes.

Maybe Grumpy does pay any Council tax?
Leaves it to the rest of us.

She'll be paying at least a quarter of it working or not as everyone on benefits is now required to do so, or did you miss that little fact? Maybe you just omitted it in an attempt to further stigmatise her as a scrounger although you admit you don't know whether that's a fact. Do facts matter in your view?

[quote][p][bold]June Oh[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]Joedavid[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]Grumpygirl[/bold] wrote:
That's right Karl, split the votes and let the Tories back in. This is a pointless self-indulgent gesture and has more to do with publicity than practical politics. The only way to defeat austerity is to vote the Tories out. The only party that can replace them is Labour.[/p][/quote]Hope you can afford the council tax if austerity and living within our means goes.[/p][/quote]Maybe Grumpy does pay any Council tax?
Leaves it to the rest of us.[/p][/quote]She'll be paying at least a quarter of it working or not as everyone on benefits is now required to do so, or did you miss that little fact? Maybe you just omitted it in an attempt to further stigmatise her as a scrounger although you admit you don't know whether that's a fact. Do facts matter in your view?RollandSmoke

Grumpygirl wrote:
That's right Karl, split the votes and let the Tories back in. This is a pointless self-indulgent gesture and has more to do with publicity than practical politics. The only way to defeat austerity is to vote the Tories out. The only party that can replace them is Labour.

Hope you can afford the council tax if austerity and living within our means goes.

Maybe Grumpy does pay any Council tax?
Leaves it to the rest of us.

Protection of ones lifestyle choice of not to work you mean?

Grumpy works and has done so for nearly 40 years, pay all my taxes and don't live on benefits.

Tories don't argue, they stigmatise. Everybody should pay their fair share. It shouldn't be austerity for the poor and tax breaks for the rich.

[quote][p][bold]Thee Voice of Reason[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]June Oh[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]Joedavid[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]Grumpygirl[/bold] wrote:
That's right Karl, split the votes and let the Tories back in. This is a pointless self-indulgent gesture and has more to do with publicity than practical politics. The only way to defeat austerity is to vote the Tories out. The only party that can replace them is Labour.[/p][/quote]Hope you can afford the council tax if austerity and living within our means goes.[/p][/quote]Maybe Grumpy does pay any Council tax?
Leaves it to the rest of us.[/p][/quote]Protection of ones lifestyle choice of not to work you mean?[/p][/quote]Grumpy works and has done so for nearly 40 years, pay all my taxes and don't live on benefits.
Tories don't argue, they stigmatise. Everybody should pay their fair share. It shouldn't be austerity for the poor and tax breaks for the rich.Grumpygirl

Such a shame Mr Dallas' mental health issues are being promoted by a so called "community" radio station that covers the elections in depth. Hope the council withdraw the funding and rights to broadcast. As a radio station they should remain impartial and NOT sway voting in any way. Very poor..

Such a shame Mr Dallas' mental health issues are being promoted by a so called "community" radio station that covers the elections in depth. Hope the council withdraw the funding and rights to broadcast. As a radio station they should remain impartial and NOT sway voting in any way. Very poor..idleone

idleone wrote:
Such a shame Mr Dallas' mental health issues are being promoted by a so called &quot;community" radio station that covers the elections in depth. Hope the council withdraw the funding and rights to broadcast. As a radio station they should remain impartial and NOT sway voting in any way. Very poor..

Where does it say in the article that his opinion is being promoted by a radio station? I can see the sign on the front of Bradford Community Broadcasting in the photo, but if he'd had his picture taken in front of Specsavers surely you wouldn't assume that an eye wear company shared his opinion too? That would be illogical.

[quote][p][bold]idleone[/bold] wrote:
Such a shame Mr Dallas' mental health issues are being promoted by a so called "community" radio station that covers the elections in depth. Hope the council withdraw the funding and rights to broadcast. As a radio station they should remain impartial and NOT sway voting in any way. Very poor..[/p][/quote]Where does it say in the article that his opinion is being promoted by a radio station? I can see the sign on the front of Bradford Community Broadcasting in the photo, but if he'd had his picture taken in front of Specsavers surely you wouldn't assume that an eye wear company shared his opinion too? That would be illogical.mrs walker

I got very similar hostile comments when I was fund-raising for Ken Livingstone when he ran as an independent in London against an official Labour candidate, selected by a process which ignored Ken's grassroots support. They said he'd let the Tories in, but in fact he got in with such a huge majority.they had to make him the official Labour candidate at the next Mayoral election.
NOTA will not campaign against any candidate who pledges not to implement Tory-imposed cuts. In fact, we shall urge people to vote for them (excluding UKIP, BNP, or other right-wing extremist parties).
The breadth of support we are getting across the country has been amazing, and I shall be travelling down to the People's Assembly in London on March 15 to sign up people who want to form local NOTA chapters.
The T&A's choice of an illustration was unfortunate. I think they were taking the Mickey by using a picture of me with ****'s ears from my all-night Midsummer Night''s Madness show a few years back. Although I present a number of shows on BCB, they have nothing to do with our campaign.
I have informed them of my plans and shall not be presenting any shows where there might be a conflict of interest.

I got very similar hostile comments when I was fund-raising for Ken Livingstone when he ran as an independent in London against an official Labour candidate, selected by a process which ignored Ken's grassroots support. They said he'd let the Tories in, but in fact he got in with such a huge majority.they had to make him the official Labour candidate at the next Mayoral election.
NOTA will not campaign against any candidate who pledges not to implement Tory-imposed cuts. In fact, we shall urge people to vote for them (excluding UKIP, BNP, or other right-wing extremist parties).
The breadth of support we are getting across the country has been amazing, and I shall be travelling down to the People's Assembly in London on March 15 to sign up people who want to form local NOTA chapters.
The T&A's choice of an illustration was unfortunate. I think they were taking the Mickey by using a picture of me with ****'s ears from my all-night Midsummer Night''s Madness show a few years back. Although I present a number of shows on BCB, they have nothing to do with our campaign.
I have informed them of my plans and shall not be presenting any shows where there might be a conflict of interest.karldallas

I got very similar hostile comments when I was fund-raising for Ken Livingstone when he ran as an independent in London against an official Labour candidate, selected by a process which ignored Ken's grassroots support. They said he'd let the Tories in, but in fact he got in with such a huge majority.they had to make him the official Labour candidate at the next Mayoral election.
NOTA will not campaign against any candidate who pledges not to implement Tory-imposed cuts. In fact, we shall urge people to vote for them (excluding UKIP, BNP, or other right-wing extremist parties).
The breadth of support we are getting across the country has been amazing, and I shall be travelling down to the People's Assembly in London on March 15 to sign up people who want to form local NOTA chapters.
The T&A's choice of an illustration was unfortunate. I think they were taking the Mickey by using a picture of me with ****'s ears from my all-night Midsummer Night''s Madness show a few years back. Although I present a number of shows on BCB, they have nothing to do with our campaign.
I have informed them of my plans and shall not be presenting any shows where there might be a conflict of interest.

I got very similar hostile comments when I was fund-raising for Ken Livingstone when he ran as an independent in London against an official Labour candidate, selected by a process which ignored Ken's grassroots support. They said he'd let the Tories in, but in fact he got in with such a huge majority.they had to make him the official Labour candidate at the next Mayoral election.
NOTA will not campaign against any candidate who pledges not to implement Tory-imposed cuts. In fact, we shall urge people to vote for them (excluding UKIP, BNP, or other right-wing extremist parties).
The breadth of support we are getting across the country has been amazing, and I shall be travelling down to the People's Assembly in London on March 15 to sign up people who want to form local NOTA chapters.
The T&A's choice of an illustration was unfortunate. I think they were taking the Mickey by using a picture of me with ****'s ears from my all-night Midsummer Night''s Madness show a few years back. Although I present a number of shows on BCB, they have nothing to do with our campaign.
I have informed them of my plans and shall not be presenting any shows where there might be a conflict of interest.karldallas